LIVE: Third day of testimony in Tara Baker murder trial

ATHENS, Ga. - Wednesday marks the third day of the murder trial for Edrick Faust, the man accused of killing University of Georgia law student Tara Baker more than two decades ago.

Murder of Tara Baker

The backstory:

The trial follows the January 2001 discovery of Baker's body inside her burned Athens-area apartment. Investigators previously determined that the fire had been intentionally set and ruled her death a homicide. Despite the decades-long investigation, it would take until 2024 to arrest Faust, who is now facing trial for the crime.

Tara Baker trial days 1 and 2

Dig deeper:

Jury selection concluded on Monday followed by opening statements. While the week began with brief testimony, the bulk of the evidence was presented Tuesday through somber forensic accounts from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) medical examiner. Jurors were shown graphic evidence of the injuries Baker sustained, including blunt force trauma and a stab wound, though the medical examiner ultimately determined the cause of death was strangulation with a printer cord.

While the defense raised objections regarding the labeling of DNA swabs, Chief Judge Lisa Lott allowed the evidence, noting the examiner's testimony that the processing integrity remained intact. An Athens-Clarke County investigator further detailed the scene, presenting photos of a damaged door and a knife found directly next to the body.

The proceedings took an emotional turn as Katherine Lahnstein, a friend and fellow law student, testified about her final interactions with Baker at the library and their last phone call. Beyond the witness testimony, courtroom tension persisted between Judge Lott and defense attorney Ahmad R. Crews. Following a $1,000 contempt fine issued to Crews on Monday for referencing restricted evidence, the two clashed again on Tuesday regarding professional courtesies and the filing of appropriate motions.